That Protective Shell

Joel Osteen often talks about the “favor” on our lives. Sometimes when we do not get what we thought we wanted and things are withheld from us, we pine and sigh and ask why. But later, we see that there is a big, protective shield around us, though it is unseen by the human eye.

We don’t get what we thought we wanted because it’s not for our best or highest good. What we should spend more time doing is filling up our gratitude page and listing those things we do have such as shelter, food, clothing, transportation and as the elders said in the South, ‘a reasonable portion of our right minds.’

If there is no job as we know it, perhaps we are unconsciously doing other types of work. It could be that we are freed from a 9 to 5 to give special attention to a loved one in need. When working on a rigid schedule, we may be less responsive and less compassionate towards someone else as we focus on our own daily needs.

It could be that we are being protected from a highly stressful work environment that may challenge our health. It could be a time to renew, refresh and regroup before the next assignment which may require that we expend high levels of energy.

Or, if we don’t drive to work, it could be meant for us to get on public transportation and be there for some unsuspecting soul. They may have a story to share that may save a life. A listening ear may be all that they need. Or, there may be a conversation that gives us a much needed answer to one of our own dilemmas.

This lull time could be a time to develop some of our other skills. That is why they are called ‘skill sets.’ We may call ourselves by a certain job title, but we all use multiple skills daily and more than one can be accentuated. The more, the merrier. Sometimes, we need time to pull out some of those dormant talents, brush them off and realize that they too are marketable.

Though we may find it hard to believe, we are usually where we are supposed to be at a given time. We will see how it all comes together further down the road. It becomes clearer over time. Actually, it will become crystal clear.

It is said that hindsight is 20-20. We can look back on some past situation or outcome and see that we were in our right place at that time. That invisible shell surrounding us kept some deterrent to our well-being at bay. Or, it could be that we are being further refined for something new and wonderful coming down the pike.

I had one minister who graciously reminded us to “bloom where you are.” One of my favorite writers, Zora Neale Hurston said in Their Eyes Were Watching God, “There are years that ask questions andyears that answer.” We should stop questioning and simply continue to give to others as the process unfolds into its perfect design.